Reporting to the Board and administratively to the CFO, the Chief Audit Officer (CAO) will manage the internal audit department and lead a team of audit professionals. This critical role ensures the integrity of financial reporting, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulatory requirements within a dynamic fintech environment.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute an annual audit plan, ensuring comprehensive coverage of key risks and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee the performance of financial, operational, and compliance audits, assessing the effectiveness of internal controls and identifying areas for improvement.
- Report audit findings and recommendations to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and senior management, providing independent assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of the company’s governance, risk management, and internal control processes.
- Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and track remediation efforts.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks relevant to the financial services sector, particularly in fintech.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to management on internal control matters, providing guidance and support on new initiatives and system implementations.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the internal audit function, promoting best practices and professional development.
- Collaborate with external auditors, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and communication.
- Ensure compliance with professional auditing standards and ethical guidelines.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in internal audit, with at least 5 years in a leadership role (e.g., Head of Internal Audit, CAO) within the financial services industry.
- Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CIA, CAMS, CISA) are required.
- Deep understanding of banking operations, regulatory requirements (e.g., OCC, FRB, CFPB, FDIC), and risk management frameworks (e.g., COSO).
- Proven track record of building and leading high-performing audit teams.
- Experience with fintech companies or fast-growing technology environments is highly desirable.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with all levels of management and external stakeholders.
- Impeccable integrity and a commitment to ethical conduct.
- Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and adapt to evolving business needs.
